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Local homebuying guideA practical guide to buying in Phoenix, Arizona—covering the local market, down payment programs, closing costs, and loan limits for Phoenix metro & East Valley. Prepared for UMortgage+ powered by NEXA Lending clients working with Evan Cardenas.
Mesa and the East Valley remain among the Phoenix metro's more attainable pockets for buyers who want space and newer inventory, while Scottsdale and parts of north Phoenix often price higher for the same bedroom count. Inventory and days on market shift with rates, so buyers who are pre-approved and clear on payment comfort usually negotiate better than shoppers still guessing at affordability. Condos and townhomes can open doors at lower price points; always confirm HOA dues and any special assessments before you lock a budget.
Serving: Phoenix metro & East Valley · County focus: Maricopa County
These program cards are filled from your local custom values. Empty slots hide automatically.
Statewide down payment and closing cost help of up to 4% as a no-interest, no-payment second mortgage that is forgiven after 5 years. You don't have to be a first-time buyer; borrower income must be $155,386 or less (as of April 6, 2026), and one borrower completes a homebuyer education course.
Official program page (opens in new tab) →Down payment and closing cost assistance of 3% to 6% of the loan for homes anywhere in Maricopa County, paired with an FHA, VA, or qualifying Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. It requires a 640 minimum credit score, income limits, and an 8-hour homebuyer education course; some assistance options have run out of 2026 funds, so ask which are open.
Official program page (opens in new tab) →Always verify income limits, first-time definitions, and funding availability on the administrator’s site. Terms change.
Arizona has no real estate transfer tax. Recording a deed costs a flat $30 per document, which already includes the state's $2 transfer fee, and buyer and seller sign a notarized Affidavit of Property Value. Closings are handled by title and escrow companies. By custom the seller pays the owner's title policy, the buyer pays the lender's title policy and loan costs, and escrow and recording fees are split, though all of it is negotiable in the contract.
2026 limits for Maricopa County: FHA $557,750 for a one-unit home ($714,000 two-unit, $863,100 three-unit, $1,072,600 four-unit), and the conforming limit is $832,750 for a one-unit home, the same in every Arizona county. Loans above the conforming limit are jumbo loans. Check current limits at https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm.
Yes. Arizona Home Plus offers up to 4% toward your down payment and closing costs anywhere in the state, as a second mortgage with no interest or payments that is forgiven after 5 years. You don't need to be a first-time buyer, but your income must be at or under $155,386 and one borrower takes a homebuyer education class. In Maricopa County, Home in Five Advantage is another option.
No. Arizona doesn't charge a transfer tax when you buy or sell a home. The county recorder charges a flat $30 to record the deed, and that fee already includes a $2 state transfer fee. The buyer and seller also sign a notarized Affidavit of Property Value, which is recorded with the deed.
For 2026, the FHA limit in Maricopa County is $557,750 for a single-family home, and higher for two- to four-unit properties. The conforming limit for conventional loans is $832,750 in every Arizona county. If you need to borrow more than that on a conventional loan, it's a jumbo loan, which usually has stricter credit and down payment rules.
It's negotiable in your purchase contract. By Arizona custom, the seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy, the buyer pays for the lender's title policy and loan-related costs, and escrow and recording fees are split between buyer and seller. Closings are handled by a title or escrow company rather than an attorney. Sellers can also agree to pay some of the buyer's costs as a credit.
Educational content only. Not a commitment to lend. Program rules and limits change.